Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Kim Got Kanye To Smile With Little Ol' Staples Center B-Day Shindig
What do you get the man who has everything? Well, Kim Kardashian knows. She dropped some major dough to rent out the entire Staples Center for Kanye West's 38th birthday on Monday. We have to say, it's a pretty baller move.
West got to play basketball with his buddies while they all donned on black and white "West" and "East" jerseys, TMZ reports.
"Kim rented out the Staples Center so Kanye and his boys could play an NBA-style game with real refs and Laker girls!" a source told E! News. "John Salley is the announcer. Houston Rockets player James Harden and rapper 2 Chainz are the coaches. John Legend sang the national anthem."
It was the big-name guest list that made this party even crazier. We're talking about NBA stars like Russell Westbrook, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Carmelo Anthony, Shaquille O'Neal, John Wall and Scotty Pippen. And then his buddies Justin Bieber, Tyga and Pusha T were all there.
Even though West explained earlier this year that he doesn't smile for photos, this birthday party broke him. He was smiling and laughing throughout the night.
Kardashian apparently spent $110,000 on the whole shindig, and then surprised her husband some more when he got home and found that she installed a basketball court in their backyard. Basically, she wins the Best Wife Award this year.
The night was well-documented on Instagram. Here are some photos and videos:
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline.
-
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.